Tupac Amaru Shakur (born Lesane Parish Crooks on June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), known as 2Pac and Makaveli, was a legendary American rapper and actor. Raised by his activist mother, he became a powerful voice in West Coast hip-hop,
known for his socially conscious lyrics and albums like 2Pacalypse Now and All Eyez on Me. Tupac also starred in films, wrote poetry, and sold over 75 million records globally. Tragically, he was killed in a Las Vegas drive-by shooting, cementing his legacy in music and activism.
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Tupac Shakur Net Worth
At the time of Tupac’s death in 1996, his net worth was only $200,000, despite selling $60 million worth of albums that year. His finances were poorly managed, with little to show for his success. He owned no real estate, had no retirement accounts or stocks, and did not own the Woodland Hills mansion where he lived.
His assets included a life insurance policy of five figures, two cars, and a checking account with $105,000. After his death, the only significant asset his mother Afeni Shakur received was a Mercedes Benz SL 500.
Early life
Tupac Amaru Shakur was born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. Initially named Lesane Parish Crooks, he was renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur at age one. His name honors Túpac Amaru II, an Incan revolutionary executed in Peru in 1781.
His mother, Afeni Shakur, chose the name to connect him to revolutionary figures and global culture. Tupac’s surname came from Lumumba Shakur, his mother’s husband, although he was not his biological father. He had an older stepbrother, Mopreme “Komani” Shakur, and a younger half-sister, Sekyiwa Shakur.
Career
In 1989, Tupac Shakur began recording as MC New York and later joined Digital Underground, debuting as 2Pac in 1991 with the single “Same Song.” His first solo album, 2Pacalypse Now (1991), addressed social issues and featured hits like “Brenda’s Got a Baby.”
He released Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z… (1993) and the iconic Me Against the World (1995). His final album during his lifetime, All Eyez on Me (1996), included hits like “California Love.” He also formed the group Thug Life and had a film career, despite ongoing legal troubles.
Personal life
On April 29, 1995, Tupac Shakur married his girlfriend Keisha Morris, a pre-law student, but their marriage was annulled ten months later. In a 1993 interview, Shakur criticized Quincy Jones for his interracial marriage to Peggy Lipton, prompting a response from their daughter Rashida Jones.
Shakur later apologized to Kidada Jones, whom he began dating in 1996. The couple attended Men’s Fashion Week in Milan, walking the runway for Versace. Kidada was with Shakur in Las Vegas when he was shot.
Who sold more, 2Pac or Biggie?
The rivalry between Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, extended to their commercial success. While both artists sold millions of albums, Tupac marginally outsold Biggie, with approximately 24 million records sold compared to Biggie’s 22 million. This slight difference underscores the immense impact both artists had on the hip-hop industry.
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Conclusion
Tupac Shakur’s legacy as a rap icon is not just about his impressive net worth but also about the enduring influence of his music and the cultural significance he holds. His artistry, characterized by its raw honesty and social commentary, continues to resonate with audiences around the world, making him a timeless figure in the annals of music history.
FAQs about Tupac Shakur Net Worth
- What was Tupac’s net worth at the time of his death? Tupac had a net worth of approximately $200,000 at the time of his passing in 1996.
- How many records did Tupac sell? Tupac sold over 75 million records worldwide.
- What did Tupac arrange for his mother financially? He arranged for her to receive $16,000 monthly and purchased a home for her.
- Who owns the rights to Tupac’s music? His music rights are owned by Amaru Entertainment, controlled by his estate.
- Did Tupac sell more records than Biggie? Yes, Tupac slightly outsold Biggie, with around 24 million records sold compared to Biggie’s 22 million.
